Cosmetic container

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic container which provides structural stability, and/or shock absorbing properties, and/or rigidity to the container is provided. The cosmetic container comprises a cavity on the upper side of the container for containing the cosmetic material; a continuous frame running through the sides of the container and a base portion optionally comprising at least one magnet or magnetic material. The present invention also relates to a protective continuous frames which for housing at least one cosmetic container. The frame may optionally comprise at least one magnet or magnetic materials which can removably attach the container to a magnetic surface or a magnet respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefits of provisional application 60/926,878 filed Apr. 30, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The invention relates to an improved cosmetic container which provides for holding, storage and use of various kinds of cosmetic products such as pressed powders, gloss, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Prior Art

Cosmetic pans or inserts are typically filled with a product by a machine, and then glued into a cosmetic case. Alternatively, the cosmetic product can be placed directly into the cosmetic case (without the use of a pan). The cosmetic case usually has a bottom and a lid, and often time comprises a mirror. Cosmetic powder make-up, such as, for example, blush, is often provided to consumers in a ‘pressed powder’ form. Pressed powder is loose powder that has been compacted under pressure into a cake-like block. Powder cake cosmetics are packed by using a powder press to press the color powders into metal or plastic pans. Pressed powder cosmetics are generally provided in a shallow metal or plastic pan. In another method, a cosmetic material mixed with a binder and dissolved in a solvent (or slurry) is poured into a metal or plastic pan, or directly into a recess in the cosmetic case and then dried by vaporizing the solvent to solidify the cosmetic material. Back injection molding processes are known in the cosmetic art. Typically, a cosmetic slurry or other flowable base is injected through a hole in the back, or bottom (which may be oriented upwards), of a plastic (or other type) pan structure to form a finished cosmetic product. Alternatively, a cosmetic base can be metered into a pan through its open top. Preferably, the cosmetic is formulated which that the resulting powder product releases cosmetic with relative ease when a user wipes a surface of the cake. A powder product formulated to release cosmetic readily may be relatively fragile and may crumble with relative ease if not properly supported. Other varieties of cosmetic products such as lip colors, lip gloss, cream, mousse, or cake type products are also produced and available in similar form (shallow pans, recesses, and/or inserts). Either the pans are individually installed into cosmetic cases, or, several pans of pressed powders in different colors are selected and then manually installed into a cosmetic compact or casing.

Cosmetic materials available to the consumers in the market place are very numerous. The particular cosmetic assortment which an individual consumer purchases is entirely dependent upon that consumer's subjective preferences. A typical consumer of cosmetics normally desires an assortment of cosmetics which includes the desired colors, tints and hues to satisfy the consumer's preferences.

A typical packaging of cosmetics supplies traditionally comprises pre-selected, fixed containers of cosmetic materials. They can be found with a single product or having a variety of both colors and types.

In a conventional palette-type make-up case, cosmetics pans are firmly fixed to the inside of the case with an adhesive or the like.

However, individual users' tastes and needs vary widely. Consequently, the cosmetics materials which do not suit a particular user's needs or taste would be inevitably wasted. This, of course, is costly to the consumer since the unused and wasted cosmetics are purchased together with desired cosmetics. Also, a user would ideally prefer to select, have available, and carry around only those products that are needed.

One way to achieve this purpose, there are available a variety of refillable cosmetic cases for the purpose of customization of colors, etc as well as the reusability and refillability of the case. Typically, refill pans are either manufactured of magnetic material or have a magnet attached to the bottom of the pan. However, refill cosmetic cases typically only accept refill pans or inserts of the same brand. The refill pan is typically of a shape, size, and/or geometry that can ‘fit’ or ‘mate’ into the case.

It is therefore preferable that the individual cosmetic inserts can be offered to the consumer independent of the compact case into which they will be positioned. Consumers will be able to choose only those preferred cosmetics which are desirable for purchase and assemble them in a compact case, holder, display, or other means, so as to establish a personal and unique arrangement of cosmetics.

In order to securely hold the inserts in position in their case, holder, or display, it is beneficial to use magnetic means.

Airtight refill containers have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,051, U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,639, JP 2000128203. The disclosed containers provide for airtight housing of cosmetic material by various mechanical means. JP 2000128203 also provides for improved productivity by improving filling properties of the cosmetic material and improves usability of the cosmetic case. JP 2006263188 provides a sliding compact container capable of rendering the cosmetic housing airtight in closed state. U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,791 provides cosmetic compact cases which are convenient to open and close by providing a soft and elastic front structure connected to its latching device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,990 provides netted refill containers which prevent the cosmetic material from accumulating on one side by forming the space between top surface of the cosmetic material and the netting as small as possible. The netted refill containers also prevent the quality of the cosmetic material from changing.

US 20070187284 disclose refill containers that hold and protect an internal tray filled with the cosmetic material. The said container comprises a mounting portion and an engaging portion. In a mounted state, the engaging portion catches the internal tray in a manner as to prevent the internal tray from being disengaged from the mounting portion.

The cosmetic case provides the cosmetic and cosmetic pan protection against damage, etc. However, the cosmetic pan independent of its case i.e. without the case is not adequately protected. Typical cosmetic pans are constructed of thin metal or plastic, which, without the protection of its case, can easily be deformed, shocked, and/or impacted, causing damage and/or breakage to the cosmetic product.

Generally, the container and refill pans are designed together i.e. the case is usually designed to accept and/or mate with refill pans with a specific geometry and size to ensure a perfect fit. However, when refill pans are not used with their refill cases i.e. a case, compact, holder and/or display that was not designed specifically for accepting that geometry and/or shaped refill pan, the pan often times is not adequately protected. Refill pans used independent of their intended cases can suffer damage. Excess space surrounding the pan (inside the case and between pans) can result in damage to the cosmetic product and/or cosmetic refill pan upon movement and/or shock because the refill pan can hit the side of the case, and/or another pan, and/or the dividers/separators/inserts that may be inside the case. Refill pans of different geometries placed adjacent to each other can cause uneven pressures to the refill pans upon movement and/or shock potentially resulting in damage to the cosmetic product and/or cosmetic refill pan. Damage of refill pans can cause wastage of the cosmetic material.

Also, the refill pans generally do not have a logo or a brand displayed on them which indicates the source of origin of the cosmetic products. This is generally because refill pans were intended and/or designed to be used with the case specifically designed and made available by that manufacturer/brand. The logo or brand which indicates the source of origin of the cosmetic products is traditionally on the case.

Therefore, there is a need for a pan to be adequately protected and display characteristics of brand identity, logo, etc, independent of any cosmetic case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a protective cosmetic container comprising a cavity on the upper side of the container for containing the cosmetic material; a continuous frame running through the sides of the container and a base portion optionally comprising at least one magnet or magnetic material. The present invention also relates to a protective continuous frame for housing at least one cosmetic container. The said frame is continuous and runs through the periphery of the container and comprises an open top portion for housing the container. The frame may or may not comprise a base portion on which the container can be mounted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a protective cosmetic container.

FIG. 2 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a protective cosmetic container with a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a cosmetic container with a protective continuous frame with a base portion.

FIG. 4 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a cosmetic container with a protective continuous frame with a base portion comprising a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 5 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a cosmetic container with a protective continuous frame.

FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a cosmetic container with a protective continuous frame with a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a cosmetic container with a slanted shaped protective continuous frame with a base portion.

FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a cosmetic container with a slanted shaped protective continuous frame with a base portion comprising a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 9 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a protective cosmetic container with a plurality of cosmetic products.

FIG. 10 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a protective cosmetic container with a plurality of cosmetic products with a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 11 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a plurality of cosmetic containers with a protective continuous frame with base portion.

FIG. 12 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a plurality of cosmetic containers with a protective continuous frame with base portion comprising a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 13 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a protective cosmetic container with a frame of varied thickness.

FIG. 14 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a protective cosmetic container with a frame of varied thickness with a base portion comprising a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 15 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a cosmetic container with a protective continuous frame of varied thickness with a base portion.

FIG. 16 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of a cosmetic container with a protective continuous frame of varied thickness with a base portion comprising a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 17 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of cosmetic containers of different shapes and sizes with a protective continuous frame with a base portion.

FIG. 18 is a sectional perspective and perspective view of cosmetic containers of different shapes and sizes with a protective continuous frame with base portion comprising a magnet and/or magnetic material.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a protective cosmetic container with a frame embossed with the trademark or brand name of the manufacturer of the cosmetic product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a protective cosmetic container (1) comprising a cavity (2) on the upper side (3) of the container. The cosmetic material (4) is contained in the cavity (2). The container further comprises a continuous frame (5) running through the sides of the container and a base portion (6).

FIG. 2 shows a protective cosmetic container further comprising one or more magnets or magnetic material (7). The said magnet or magnetic material removably attaches the container to a magnetic surface or magnet respectively. An advantage of this embodiment is that it requires less assembly. Manufacturing process is faster since the step of transferring the filled pan to the container is saved. It also saves material because pans are not used. It may also be more aesthetically pleasing because the edges of the pan are not visible. Also, the shape of the container is not determined by the shape of the pan.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 shows a protective continuous frame (5) running through the periphery of the container (1) and an open top section (8) in which the cosmetic material (4) is contained. The frame further comprises a base portion (6) on which the container (1) is mounted. FIG. 4 shows an aspect of the embodiment further comprising one or more magnets or magnetic material (7) which removably attaches the container to a magnetic surface or a magnet respectively. This embodiment is advantageous because the containers can be more uniform or standard. The containers are filled and then assembled with the frame. The containers can be interchangeable between frames of different designs, as long as the recess in the frame is kept consistent. Frames may not need apertures since the container would first be filled prior to assembly with the frame. Frames may want to be manufactured of aesthetically pleasing materials and design and it may be undesirable to subject them to the compacting pressures often required to manufacture pressed powders.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a protective frame without a base portion. The said frame can be mounted on a cosmetic container. The said frames may comprise one or more magnets or magnetic material (7) which removably attaches the container to a magnetic surface or a magnet respectively. The cosmetic container may also comprise one or more magnets or magnetic material since there is no base portion. In addition to the advantages of the embodiments shows in FIGS. 3 and 4, this embodiment also provides a thinner overall container since there is no base. Also, by not having a base portion, material is saved.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a protective frame with a base portion and slanted in position. This embedment is particularly useful in keeping the cosmetic product inside the container throughout use of the product.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a cosmetic container in accordance with the present invention for housing a plurality of cosmetic products comprising a cavity (2) on the upper side (3) of the container. A variety of cosmetic materials (4) is contained in the cavity (2). The container further comprises a continuous frame (5) running through the sides of the container and a base portion (6). FIG. 10 shows cosmetic containers optionally comprising magnets or magnetic material (7) which removably attaches the container to a magnetic surface or a magnet respectively. An additional advantage of this embodiment is that the cosmetic product can be manufactured and/or made with a design. The cosmetic product can be designed of more than one color or type.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a protective frame for housing a plurality of cosmetic containers comprising a continuous frame (5) running through the periphery of the container (1) and an open top section (8) in which the cosmetic material (4) is contained. The container may optionally comprise a magnet or magnetic material (7) which removably attaches the container to a magnetic surface or a magnet respectively. The advantages of this embodiment are the same as the advantages of embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. An additional advantage is that colors or types of cosmetic products that may be desirable to be used together can be paired, grouped, or kept together. FIGS. 13 and 14 show a protective cosmetic container in accordance with the present invention with a frame of varied thickness. FIGS. 15 and 16 show a protective frame in accordance with the present invention with a frame of varied thickness.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a cosmetic container in accordance with the present invention which provide for housing of containers of different shapes and sizes.

FIG. 19 shows a protective container with a frame embossed with the trademark or brand name of the manufacturer of the cosmetic product.

The term cosmetic container as used herein refers to a cosmetic pan which may or may not comprise a cosmetic material, including but not limited to lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, etc, products for skin such as pressed powders such as foundation, twin cake powders, blushers, mineral powders, bronzers, etc, fluid, cakey, semi solid paste, creams, or mousse products, concealers, etc, products for the eye such as liners, cake liners, gel liners, mascaras, eye shadows, eye shadows powders, colored pigments, gels, creams, mousse products, eye brow products, etc. The cosmetic container may comprise one or more cosmetic material.

The term “Magnetic material” as used herein refers to a metallic substance or alloys that are attracted by magnets and include diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic substances including but limited to iron, cobalt, palladium, Molybdenum, Nickel, Copper, Chromium and alloys of the same.

The present invention relates to a protective cosmetic container which provides structural stability, and/or shock absorbing properties, and/or rigidity to the cosmetic container. The present invention also provides a means to the cosmetic company and/or manufacturer to display his logo, trademark, brand, design etc on the cosmetic containers thereby allowing the consumers to identify products of their choice.

In one embodiment of the present invention is provided a protective cosmetic container comprising a cavity on the upper side of the container, a continuous frame running through the sides of the container and a base portion. The cosmetic material can be contained in the cavity on the upper side of the container. The thickness of the frame running through the sides of the container can be varied depending on the extent of protection to the cosmetic material required and/or required area or shape desired by the manufacturer and/or company to display his logo, trademark, brand, design, etc. The thickness of the frame can vary from 0.4 mm to 10 mm.

In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the thickness of the frame ranges from approximately 2 mm to 8 mm.

In other aspect of the present embodiment, the base portion and/or frame portion may optionally comprise at least one magnet or magnetic material; the said magnet or magnetic material capable of removably attaching the container to a magnetic surface or a magnet respectively.

The protective container in accordance with the first embodiment may optionally comprise an aperture for filling the cosmetic material. The protective container in accordance with the first embodiment may optionally comprise permanent or removable walls. Methods of filling can be chosen from conventional methods as disclosed in U.S. Pat No. 6,245,341, U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,859, U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,502, U.S. pat. No. 4,887,409, U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,932, U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,410 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,538.

The protective frame in accordance with the present invention comprises a material selected from but not limited to rigid, semi-rigid, insulative, non-cellular, shock absorbing, thermally resistant, insulant, laminates, plastics, resins, metals, precious metals, rubbers, silicones, leather, glass, acrylics, ceramics, fabrics, paper, cloth, stones, precious stones, wood, be solid, hollow, filled and/or any combinations thereof. The frame may optionally provide a means to display the logo, trademark, brand, design, decoration etc like embossing, debossing, painting, printing, stamping, encrypting, engraving and the likes combinations thereof.

The frame surface can be used to display a logo, trademark, brand name, product name, product description, etc of the product. The frame, can be flat, bubbled, concave, convex, slanted, angled in either direction (outward or inward), textured, or have any other shape, characteristic or design. The frame can also be the same shape or different shape as the container holding the product. In a second embodiment of the invention is provided a protective continuous frame for housing at least one cosmetic container comprising:

(a) A continuous frame which runs through the periphery of the container.

(b) An open top section for housing the said container.

The said protective continuous frame may optionally comprise a base portion on which the cosmetic container can be mounted.

In one aspect of the embodiment the base portion and/or frame portion may optionally comprise at least one magnet or magnetic material; the said magnet or magnetic material capable of removably attaching to a magnetic surface or magnet respectively.

The container can be mounted to and/or attached by means including but not limited to adhesion, friction, fit, press-fit, welding, molding during manufacturing etc to either the frame or the base or both.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the frame may comprise one or more magnet or magnetic material which is capable of removably attaching the container to the magnetic surface or magnet.

Optionally, the base and/or container may comprise an aperture for filling the cosmetic material.

The thickness of the frame can be varied depending on the required rigidity of the container and/or required area or shape desired by the manufacturer and/or company to display his logo, trademark, brand, design, etc. Preferably the thickness ranges from 0.4 mm to 10 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the frame is approximately 2 mm to 8 mm.

The frame in accordance with this embodiment comprises of a material selected from but not limited to rigid, semi-rigid, insulative, non-cellular, shock absorbing, thermally resistant, insulant, laminates, plastics, resins, metals, precious metals, rubbers, silicones, leather, glass, acrylics, ceramics, fabrics, paper, cloth, stones, precious stones, wood, be solid, hollow, filled and/or any combinations thereof. The frame surface can be used to display a logo, trademark, brand name, product name, product description, etc of the product. The frame, can be flat, bubbled, concave, convex, slanted, angled in either direction (outward or inward), textured, or have any other shape, characteristic or design. The frame can also be the same shape or different shape as the pan holding the product.

Containers and frame in accordance with the present invention may optionally comprise removable or internal walls.

The cosmetic container in accordance with the present invention can be of any shape, circular, square, oval, rectangular, or other geometry, color, texture, design, etc. Magnets can be of any strength or shape. Magnets can be treated, painted, coated, anodized etc for aesthetic or tactile purposes.

Magnets attached to cosmetic pans can be any magnet strong enough to secure attachment. The types of magnets which can be used in the present invention include but are not limited to Composite magnets, ceramic, ferrite, alnico, Ticonal, Injection molded magnets, flexible magnets, and rare earth magnets such as Neodymium iron Boron and Samarium Cobalt. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnets which are attached to the cosmetic containers are flexible magnets. The said magnets may comprise an adhesive backing, making it more convenient for the manufacturer or end user to attach it to their containers. They are also preferred because they can easily be cut with common scissors. Since not all containers may be manufactured of magnetic material, the end user may need to cut to size and shape a magnet to attach to the container. Flexible magnets can also be decorated or colored, making them more aesthetically appealing. They can also easily be manufactured with a surface that can be printed or written on (i.e. paper laminate), so end manufacturers or users can easily label their pans with necessary information such as color, brand, date, etc. 

1. A protective cosmetic container comprising a cavity on the upper side of the container for containing at least one cosmetic material; a continuous frame running through the sides of the container and a base portion optionally comprising at least one magnet or magnetic material; the said magnet or magnetic material capable of removably attaching the container to a surface or magnet.
 2. A protective cosmetic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame has a thickness of approximately 0.4-10 mm
 3. A protective cosmetic container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame has a thickness of approximately 2-8 mm.
 4. A protective cosmetic container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a material selected from rigid, semi-rigid, insulative, non-cellular, shock absorbing, thermally resistant, insulant, laminates, plastics, resins, metals, precious metals, rubbers, silicones, leather, glass, acrylics, ceramics, fabrics, paper, cloth, stones, precious stones, wood, or combinations thereof.
 5. A protective cosmetic container as claimed in claim 1 optionally comprising an aperture for the filing of the cosmetic material.
 6. A protective container as claimed in claim 1 optionally comprising removable or permanent internal walls.
 7. A protective continuous frame for the housing of at least one cosmetic container comprising: (a) An optional base portion on which the said cosmetic container can be mounted; (b) A continuous frame which runs through the periphery of the container and (c) an open top portion for housing the said container; the said base portion optionally comprising at least one magnet or magnetic material; the said magnet or magnetic material capable of removably attaching the container to a magnetic surface or magnet.
 8. A protective cosmetic refill container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the frame has a thickness of approximately 0.4-10 mm.
 9. A protective cosmetic refill container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the frame has a thickness of approximately 2-8 mm.
 10. A protective cosmetic refill container as claimed in claim 7 wherein the frame comprises a material selected from rigid, semi-rigid, insulative, non-cellular, shock absorbing, thermally resistant, insulant, laminates, plastics, resins, metals, precious metals, rubbers, silicones, leather, glass, acrylics, ceramics, fabrics, paper, cloth, stones, precious stones, wood, or combinations thereof.
 11. A protective cosmetic refill container as claimed in claim 7 optionally comprising an aperture for the filing of the cosmetic material
 12. A protective container as claimed in claim 7 optionally comprising removable or permanent internal walls. 